A new dawn was just beginning to break as Kenji sat inside the ruins of an old warehouse, secluded on the edge of the forest. The smell of dust, rotting wood, and damp earth filled the small room. Among piles of debris and scattered discarded items, his eyes caught something unusual: a human book, dusty and worn, hidden behind a nearly collapsed wooden plank.
An Unexpected Discovery
Kenji carefully lifted the book, feeling a strange yet deep fascination. In his past life as a human, he had once known letters like these, though he never really delved into the world of books and writing. But now, amidst the harsh life as an Orc, this book felt like a priceless treasure.
He opened the first page, and there were words in the human language that he slowly began to recognize. Not only that, the following pages contained illustrations of tactics and troop formations, battle diagrams, and notes on how to win wars with strategy, not just brute force.
Kenji felt a stirring within himself. Until now, Orcs relied solely on strength and brutality in combat, while humans—though physically weaker—used intelligence and careful planning to conquer their enemies.
Relearning to Read
Kenji knew that to fully utilize the book, he had to relearn how to read. He sat cross-legged, turning page after page, trying to recall the letters and words he once learned as a human. Sometimes he smiled bitterly, sometimes he grew frustrated struggling with the complex writing.
He began spending his days reading the book. Sometimes repeating words aloud, sometimes making notes and sketches on the ground with a small stick to help himself understand the content.
The First War Strategy
Slowly, Kenji began applying the ideas from the book. He taught some of the young Orcs in his group to form lines, use distractions, and exploit the battlefield in ways they had never considered before.
When they planned to steal food from another clan, Kenji no longer relied solely on brute strength and courage but also on traps and coordinated attacks. He began employing strategies like ambushes, diversions, and organized successive strikes.
Changing Clan Attitudes
Word about Kenji and his group's transformation started to spread. Orcs who once underestimated him began to see him differently. Those who initially saw him as a weak and small Orc now started to feel respect—and fear.
During a tense clan meeting, some older Orcs who were usually arrogant began to regard Kenji's strategies with a mixture of dread and respect.
"Kenji… is more dangerous than I thought," whispered an older Orc who once dismissed him. "He's not just a fighter, but a cunning mind."
Spies and Suspicion
However, as Kenji's influence grew, so did the number of Orcs plotting to bring him down. They feared their positions would be usurped by the small Orc who was mastering the art of warfare.
Kenji knew that learning to read and strategize was only the beginning of a long struggle. He had to keep evolving, gathering more followers, and strengthening his position.
A Dream of the Future
One night, as he slept near a campfire, Kenji dreamed. In his dream, the figure of the god Grull'gor appeared again, this time with a more sly smile.
"Kenji… power comes not just from blood and muscle. But from mind and will. Use that human legacy, and you can shake the Orc world," the figure said.
Kenji awoke gasping, feeling a new drive that made him even more certain of his purpose and path.
Steps Toward Revolution
In the days that followed, Kenji spent time teaching his followers the strategies from the book. They trained diligently, mastering tight battle formations and effective maneuvers.
Kenji also began writing his own notes, developing new tactics based on their real experiences on the battlefield.
With every practice, the respect and loyalty of his followers grew. Kenji was no longer just the small leader of weak Orcs, but a figure beginning to inspire hope for great change.
With the human book in hand and a burning spirit in his heart, Kenji embarked on a new chapter in his struggle. He knew that to fight the giants ruling the clan, he needed more than physical strength. He needed strategy, intelligence, and the courage to challenge a long-standing system.